Fluffy Orange Ricotta Pancake Recipe
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This fluffy orange ricotta pancake recipe will become your favorite sweet breakfast! They are light and fluffy with bright citrus flavors from the orange zest and juice. You will only need a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make a irresistible breakfast that is restaurant quality in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ricotta pancakes are a must try if you have never made them! The ricotta creates the softest, and fluffiest pancakes while adding moisture and flavor to them. There is not a strong cheese flavor, just a very slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with the citrus flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful: The combination of the ricotta cheese with the orange zest and juice gives these pancakes so much flavor!
Fluffy and light: Thanks to the ricotta cheese and buttermilk, these pancakes turn out light and fluffy.
Seasonal Flavors: The oranges used in this pancake recipe make this the perfect breakfast in the winter months when oranges are in season. But you can of course make them year-around!
What I Love:
- These pancakes are what you would find at a restaurant or cafe but are so easy to make! You get to save money making these pancakes at home, in the comfort of your own kitchen all while still in your PJs.
Ingredients and variation
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is used for structure of the pancakes. If you need the pancakes to be gluten-free, you can swap for a 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour.
Baking powder & soda: The leavening agents used in the orange pancakes.
Salt: Enhances the flavors.
Sugar: Helps add to the flavor as well as the texture of the ricotta pancakes.
Butter: Melted butter creates the moisture and fluffy pancakes.
Vanilla Extract: Adds to the flavor of the orange pancakes.
Eggs: Gives structure and texture.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a key ingredient to making fluffy and light pancakes. If you do not have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the batter.
Orange juice & orange zest: The orange zest and juice really give these pancakes so much citrus flavor. You will need 1-2 oranges to get enough zest and can use any variety of orange. And you can use more or less orange zest to adjust the orange flavor.
Ricotta: One cup of ricotta turns the pancakes into pure magic. You can use whole or part skim ricotta. If needed, you could replace with Greek yogurt.
How to make orange ricotta pancakes
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda together. Whisk and set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, add the eggs, ricotta, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, buttermilk, and cooled melted butter. Whisk until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet and stir until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, it is okay if there are some lumps. If possible, let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter (can replace with oil), and ladle the pancake batter onto the hot skillet, creating 6 large pancakes or 8 smaller pancakes. Cook the pancakes until the edges are set and the bottom of the pancakes are golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for until the pancakes are cooked through.
- Remove the pancakes and serve immediately with your favorite pancake toppings. Enjoy!
Sara’s Tip
To achieve the fluffiest pancakes, let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows for the starches to fully hydrate and the buttermilk to work its magic. You can let your batter rest while you wait for her skillet to warm up.
How to know when to flip pancakes?
You know it is time to flip the pancakes when the edges have set and the bubbles on top are starting the pop. The bottom side of the pancake should be a nice golden brown color.
To get crispy edges on my pancakes?
If you love pancakes with crispy golden edges, add a generous amount of butter to your skillet and be sure the skillet is warm before adding the pancake batter.
What to serve with ricotta orange pancakes
We love to enjoy these pancakes with a little butter and maple syrup. And when we want to level the pancakes up, we top them with some whipped cream (so GOOD).
But you can enjoy these pancakes however you normally eat pancakes. Maple syrup, powered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit or cinnamon sugar would all be delicious toppings.
You could also add some protein with some scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage on the side.
How to store leftovers
To store leftover pancakes, cook them according to the instructions. Let cool completely. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze the pancakes, let them cool completely. Layer parchment paper between the pancakes and store in a zip lock bag or air tight container. Label and date and store in the freezer up to 3 months for best results.
How to reheat leftovers
The fastest way to reheat these orange ricotta pancakes is to pop them in the microwave until heated through. This method will have the pancakes heated up in about 1 minutes. My kids do not mind this method and it works when we are a tight schedule.
But if you have more time, you have reheat the pancakes on a skillet or griddle. To do this, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat with a little bit butter. Add the pancake(s) and cook for about 1-2 minutes, then flip and heat the over side for 1-2 minutes or until the pancake is heated through. Repeat flipping if needed to heat the pancake thoroughly.
If you give these fluffy orange ricotta pancakes a try, let me know your thoughts below!
And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.
From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love these orange ricotta pancakes as much as we do!
Fluffy Orange Ricotta Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 4 Tbsp. Butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp. Orange zest
- 1/3 Cup Orange juice
- 1 Cup Ricotta (part skim or whole)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda together. Whisk and set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, add the eggs, ricotta, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, buttermilk, and cooled melted butter. Whisk until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet and stir until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, it is okay if there are some lumps. If possible, let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter (can replace with oil), and ladle the pancake batter onto the hot skillet, creating 6 large pancakes or 8 smaller pancakes. Cook the pancakes until the edges are set and the bottom of the pancakes are golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for until the pancakes are cooked through.
- Remove the pancakes and serve immediately with your favorite pancake toppings. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
